Canberra Croatia clinch a memorable victory to reach their first Grand Final since 2020, and Olympic comes out on top against Tuggeranong ahead of a meeting with Belconnen United next weekend.
Read the review for each match below:
Sunday 30 August
NPL Women’s Reserve Semi Final
Belconnen United vs Canberra Croatia
McKellar Park
Belconnen United were the first side to open the scoring between the NPL Women’s Reserves top two in the first Semi-Final at McKellar Park, as Hattie Cram finished into an empty net following a headed effort from Lily Altamore finding the post off a corner.
Croatia hit back however in the second half, after Emily Hay’s mis-kick fell to Megan Castle, who headed the ball into the path of Josephine McKenzie, who finished on the second attempt from close range to equalise.
With both sides unable to be separated penalties beckoned, and following a save from Claire Joseph on Tiana Boots, a retaken Eden Rodda penalty had Belconnen 1-0 up in the shootout.
What followed was eight-straight penalties converted, concluding in an Emily Tozer rocket that left goalkeeper Megan Snell helpless, to send the Blue Devils through to the Grand Final 5-4.
Sunday 29 August
NPL Women’s Reserves Semi-Final
Canberra Olympic vs Tuggeranong United
McKellar Park
Canberra Olympic got off to the perfect start in the other NPL Women’s Reserves Semi Final, as Darcy Williams finished past Enid Williams to open the scoring after 13 minutes, having been set up by a brilliant Maya McRae run.
With 1-0 the scoreline heading into the break, Olympic soon doubled their lead just a minute into the second period, as Ella Hall was released, and despite her effort only finding the post, McRae was on hand to grab her goal from close range.
The game was wrapped up for Robert Paragalli’s side after 59 minutes, as Natalia Cerne found Hall, who showed composure to see off her marker before finishing clinically to make it 3-0.
Sunday 30 August
NPL Women’s First Grade Semi-Final
Belconnen United vs Canberra Croatia
McKellar Park
Belconnen United fell for the second time in 2026 on penalties to Canberra Croatia following a 0-0 full-time scoreline.
Both sides had plenty of chances and could have won the game, the clearest one being an Alina Roberts goaled ruled out for offside with just four minutes remaining of the 90, after Anneke Corry had crossed for the winger to tap home at the far post.
Heading into the shootout with memories of Charity Shield defeat in March this year, Belconnen went behind early after an acrobatic Ellie Summers save on Lillian Skelly’s penalty.
Back-to-back Croatia misses from the spot however, from Jamie Berkeley and Maia Cameron all of a sudden had Belconnen in front after three efforts each, with Alina Roberts and Izzy Hindmarsh converting in between.
Having been the hero in the last shootout, it was Summers again who stepped up for her side, saving Sam Shea’s, and later Eliza-Jane Norris’ strikes to send Croatia through to their first Grand Final since 2020.
Sunday 30 August
NPL Women’s First Grade Semi Final
Canberra Olympic vs Tuggeranong United
McKellar Park
The final match of the weekend saw Canberra Olympic take on Tuggeranong United at McKellar Park.
While Olympic dominated possession in the first period, Tuggeranong made life difficult for Victor Yanes’ side, who only had half-chances and a few set piece opportunities of note to show for themselves at the break.
The team asking all the questions going forward eventually made an effort count, as Alyse Jensen’s long ball was split by an otherwise flawless Taili Beausung in goal, and Tehya Aspland was on hand to tap home into an empty net, and see Olympic into next weekend’s Preliminary Final against Belconnen United.
